Date
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time
11:00 a.m EST
Location
Virtual Event
Price
Member: Free
Non-Member: $99.00
Digital Printing for Flexographers: Smithers’ 2035 Forecast for Packaging Printers
As packaging moves toward shorter runs, SKU proliferation, faster launches, connected packaging and more responsive supply chains, digital printing is gaining attention across labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons and corrugated. But the future is not simply digital replacing flexography. In this 45-minute interview, Smithers experts Sean Smyth and Adam Page will discuss the market outlook for digital print, flexography’s continued strength, the rise of hybrid workflows and the practical production factors converters should consider before investing.
Audience takeaways:
- Understand the major digital-printing growth projections through 2035.
- Learn why flexography remains a strong and growing production process.
- Identify where digital, flexo and hybrid workflows each fit best.
- Explore how brands are using packaging for personalization, versioning, e-commerce and connected campaigns.
- Learn what operational factors should shape digital-investment decisions.
- Understand how automation, labor pressures and standards may influence future production strategies.
Speakers
Jon Harper Smith, Print Consultant, Smithers
Jon Harper Smith is a leading authority on the global printing industry with over 40 years' experience spanning ink chemistry, business strategy, and market analysis. His specialist areas include packaging, graphics, publication, industrial and functional print, and sustainability — with particular depth across digital printing, flexo, inkjet, thermal, screen, and offset lithography. Before joining Smithers, Jon held senior leadership roles at Fujifilm, most recently as Head of Strategy, where he played a central role in developing its inkjet ink and systems business. As a subject matter expert and consultant for Smithers, he has written more than 15 market reports, contributed to a wide range of consultancy and single-client projects, and is an experienced speaker at industry conferences and events worldwide. His advisory work spans business strategy, market analysis, and data-driven intelligence relevant to business development and M&A.
Adam Page, VP Market Reports, Smithers
Adam Page is VP of Reports at Smithers, the worldwide authority for the printing, paper and packaging industries, with overall responsibility for its market reports business. With more than 25 years’ experience leading market research projects, he has published hundreds of market studies, reports, technical books, and single-client projects across printing, paper, packaging, and related industries, and has delivered presentations at conferences and events around the world. He manages a global network of experts, consultants, and researchers contributing to hundreds of primary research-based projects each year. Trained as a journalist, Adam is also a member of the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals.
Kenny Tucker
Kenny serves as the Director of Technical Education at the Flexographic Technical Association. Previously, he held the position of Assistant Director at Clemson University's Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics. A 2004 graduate of Clemson University with a bachelor's degree in Graphic Communications, Kenny began his career at Sealed Air Corporation, where he worked across various roles, including prepress, color management, inkjet and remote proofing, workflow automation, expanded gamut printing, press characterizations, and managing graphic technologies. He later joined Anderson & Vreeland as a Technology Specialist, focusing on the installation of plate-making equipment, RIP software, and inkjet proofing solutions. Before working for Clemson, Kenny worked as Production Manager at Frontier Label, now Sttark Labels, overseeing inventory procurement, label production, project management, and maintenance operations. In 2019, he returned to Clemson University, coordinating industry-focused projects, seminars, research initiatives, and training workshops. In his free time, Kenny enjoys fishing, camping, and spending quality time with his family.
